Budget Update - We Want Your Opinion
Ward Walk: Ranch Triangle
Ward Night
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Dear Neighbors,
The proposed 2020 budget maintains the status quo in most everyday city services - except for one popular service in our Ward - the public library. The Mayor
proposes to reopen all libraries on Sunday and increase programming - an $18 million increase in the Library property tax. (Libraries are funded by a separate property tax on your tax bill).
The two branches that our constituents use most –
Fullerton/Racine
and
Division/Wells
, are among the most heavily-used branches at 100,000 visits a year. Only 7 branches of 80 citywide have more visits, and only Harold Washington Library and two regional branches have short Sunday hours. Our libraries provide important services for everyone, including on-line books, children's and senior activities and more.
Do you support this change to the Library Tax so that libraries can have Sunday hours? City officials state that the increase will amount to an increase of $13 for a $250,000 home. Please take our one-question poll below.
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We Want Your Opinion
Please Take Our One-Question Survey - Your Opinion is Vital
Please Respond by Monday, November 18 at 8 p.m.
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Do You Support Increasing the Library Tax so that Libraries Can be Open on Sunday?
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Opportunities and Challenges in the 2020 Budget
I have always asserted that the City must do more to realize efficiencies as our obligations for pensions and other employee costs increase. As taxpayers, we have the right to expect every employee to deliver an honest day’s work for a day’s pay.
The
Absenteeism Task Force that I headed was the first step in addressing this problem, as the City lacked uniform HR policies. Many are now in place. Now good management must take over.
For decades, the public safety departments - police, fire and the Office of Emergency Management Communications (OEMC) - have had
the highest overtime, absenteeism, worker’s compensation, and FMLA leave costs in the City.
To increase accountability, the Mayor's proposed budget removes the administrative functions of these departments from uniformed personnel and civilianizes them. Over 160 uniformed police or fire personnel will be returned to street duty, and a new agency will be charged to implement systems to reduce overtime and absenteeism and to increase physical and mental wellness of uniformed forces.
The
Office of Public Safety Administration will control Human Resources functions, including payroll administration, overtime administration, medical leave and return to work, budget administration, IT, and logistics and fleet. This reorganization will allow police, fire and OEMC to focus on their primary missions while improving oversight of personnel issues.
A final vote on the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26. If you have feedback on any of the proposals for the budget, please let my office know. You can find all the documents related to the proposed 2020 budget
here
.
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Ranch Triangle Ward Walk
Saturday, November 23
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Adams Playground
1919 N. Seminary
Our office will be hosting a
Ward Walk with the Ranch Triangle Neighborhood Association next Saturday to survey the Ranch Triangle section of the ward. Walk with us to check for signs, trees, streets, alleys and sidewalks that may need repair and check for graffiti or sanitation code violations.
Please download the
CHI 311 App prior to the walk in order to efficiently expedite service requests. Download the new CHI 311 App from the Apple or Google Play Store. Please RSVP to
yourvoice@ward43.org so we know to expect you.
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Senior Sewer Rebates Due
December 11
This is a reminder for seniors who have not yet applied for the 2019 Senior Sewer Rebate: Seniors who wish to apply for the 2019 Senior Sewer Rebate Program should submit their application to our office no later than Wednesday, December 11.
Eligibility Requirements for the Sewer Charge Annual Refund:
- You must be 65 years of age, or older, as of January 1 for the year you are applying.
- You must be the sole owner, or owner in joint tenancy in common, of the property
- You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence.
- You must own a townhouse, condominium unit, or cooperative apartment that shares a common water bill.
If you are eligible to apply for a 2019 Senior Sewer Charge Annual Refund and have not yet submitted your paperwork, please click
here for additional information, a list of the required documentation, and to download the application form.
Completed applications and all necessary paperwork should be submitted to:
Alderman Michele Smith
2523 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
Once your application is received by our office it is introduced at the next City Council meeting and is referred to the Committee on Finance for review and processing.
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Toiletry Drive for Lincoln Park Community Services
Through November
Please help support the residents of the Lincoln Park Community Services from now through November 30.
You can drop off any of the listed items at our ward office, 2523 N. Halsted Ave., or at the office of State Senator Cullerton and State Representative Ann Williams at 1726 W. Belmont.
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Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative
"Walls that Talk"
Thursday, November 21
6:30 p.m.
DePaul Student Center
2250 N. Sheffield Ave
Celebrate 20 years of the Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative, featuring t
he film
Walls that Talk: A film by the Voices & Visions Project.
This year's movie will feature local historians, architects, and Chicago residents reflecting on three historic Lincoln Park buildings: Yondorf Hall, Lincoln Turner Hall, and the Belden Stratford Hotel. Dennis Rodkin, the residential real estate reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business will be hosting.
The event is free of charge, however
registration is encouraged.
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19th District Coat Drive
Through November 26
The 19th District is having a coat drive and collecting coats through the week of Thanksgiving. Coats will be distributed the first week of December to persons experiencing homelessness in the 19th District. Please feel free to drop off coats at the 19th District, or at the 43rd ward office. If you have any questions, please contact the community policing office at
caps.019district@chicagopolice.org, or at 312-744-0064.
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St Teresa's 4th Annual Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 28
7:45 a.m.
St. Teresa Parish Center
1950 N. Kenmore Ave
Please join the 4th Annual Turkey Trot and participate in a free, non-competitive,1 to 6 mile, Turkey Trot. Runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities are welcome, including children and canines! No racing, no timing, no awards, no entry fee*, no t-shirts, just lots of fun and smiles! Come dressed to trot!
I
n lieu of a fee, please donate a non-perishable food item for the St. Teresa food pantry. RSVP by November 20 to Mark.Buciak@rcn.com.
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Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30
Lincoln Park has been named one of the best places to shop by Chicago’s concierge community. Let's show our support by shopping local and supporting our incredible small business owners.
Every time you pick up a coffee at your local café, grab lunch at the mom-and-pop shop, or buy a new bag from a local store, you're making an impact in your community. In fact, for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community.
Many special offers will be available in the Armitage/Halsted. Stay tuned for more info.
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Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
November 29 - January 5
Join us in celebrating 25 years of ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. This one-of-a-kind, festive holiday experience offers a free, merry, family-oriented celebration of joy right in the heart of the city. Opening night is November 29 at 4:25 p.m. You are cordially invited to flip the switch! This event draws many people and vehicles to the area. We urge you to consider walking or using alternate modes of transportation.
All ride-share pickups and drop-offs must take place at the intersection of Webster Avenue and Stockton Drive.
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Thanksgiving Office Closure and
Ward Night
Our office will have modified hours on Wednesday, November 27 and will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. We will be closed on Thanksgiving day as well as Friday. We will reopen with our regular business hours Monday, December 2nd for Ward Night from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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